Family helps raise money for swing set at Glenknoll

When the Croft family moved from Virginia to Yorba Linda and enrolled their three sons – Hale, 10, Wyatt, 7, and Pierce, 5 – at Glenknoll, they noticed there were plenty of swing sets and play equipment for the primary grades, but not on the upper-grader's playground.

For the upper-graders who don't enjoy playing basketball or soccer during recess, this absence of swings and slides was a great loss – so felt the Croft boys.

Cecia Croft wrote to Principal Douglas Slonkosky and PTA President Stephanie Mancini to offer to raise funds needed to get a swing put in. They were supportive and gave the Crofts all requirements of the district to their use of approved vendors and swing set installers. They even asked for bids so the Crofts knew how much money they needed to raise.

The Edie Israel Team of California Prudential Realty – the same Realtor that helped the Crofts find their home, and also a freelance contributor to the Orange County Register – was the first swing sponsor.

Then they reached out to their new dentist at Anaheim Hills Dental, who also generously decided to be a swing sponsor. The Croft family began talking with neighbors, family and other community members, and most complied with the request for a $20 donation.

After the first night of door-to-door soliciting, the kids raised almost $200.

The Croft family spent many nights and Saturdays going to local businesses, where the boys spoke to managers and requested a donation.

They gained two more generous business sponsors: Anaheim Hills Tire and Service and Mode Distributing in Buena Park. Additionally, they received donations from Glenknoll's PTA, staff and families.

"Our kids have grown through this experience," Cecia Croft, the boys' mom, said. "They have learned how to ask for things and how to keep going even when told no. They learned they can make a difference and achieve their goals with perseverance."

Their final effort raised $11,542. They hope to have the swing set installed over spring break with a ribbon cutting ceremony when the kids return.

VALENCIA'S DECATHLON TEAM IS 12TH IN STATE

After Valencia High School's Academic Decathlon Team took second place overall in the Orange County competition, they represented Orange County in the state competition held in Sacramento and finished 12th in the state.

The team is coached by Fred Jenkins, Mindi Foote, Sam Myovich, Jamie Jauch and Danielle Connor.

TYNES ELEMENTARY STUDENTS ENJOY 'SNOW'

On March 8, Tynes Elementary School was surprised by an unusual hail storm that left their parking lot and playground covered with a layer of "snow." There was even enough to make a tiny snowman on the hood of a car in the parking lot.

Principal Cristina McCall reports that they had a full house in the multipurpose room for a Trimester Awards Assembly. After the assembly, the teachers took their students out to see the hail. For some students, it was their first experience seeing white-covered ground.